RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a program under which the Church welcomes adults seeking any of the following sacraments of full communion in the Catholic faith: Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation.

RCIA is a program of discernment and instruction in which the person seeking initiation into the Church is introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith. At Saint Charles Borromeo, RCIA instruction is for non-baptized persons, persons baptized in another Christian faith and baptized Catholics who lack both the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. RCIA instruction follows the outline of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Programs used for instruction and discernment are: FORMED, SYMBOLON, FORGIVEN, CHOSEN and many other resources.

Each candidate or catechumen in RCIA is sponsored by a confirmed Catholic in good standing. The sponsor assists candidates or catechumens in their discernment and learning process. Sponsors do not need to attend every session with the candidate or catechumen, but we ask that the sponsor make every reasonable effort to be present with the candidate or sponsor as much as possible in the beginning instruction of their faith journey. In addition, there are several Rites throughout the year that the sponsors must attend with the candidates and catechumens. Schedules are available at the Church office or may be obtained from the Director of Faith Formation, Deacon Jim Boland or our Pastor, Father Ruggles. Many sponsors find that the RCIA sessions are a way to renew one's knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and, at the same time, to walk with the candidate or catechumen as they enter the Catholic faith.

Sessions are held at the Education Building. For more information, please contact Deacon Jim Boland or Father Gomez.